Alignment on a CLK430
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
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CLK430
Alignment on a CLK430
I just replaced the tie rods and lower control arm in my clk 430. I just need a good alignment now. My local dealer charges $160, however there is a shop that odes 4 wheel alignment for $89. Is there a difference in the alignment? I am tyring to figure out if its worth it do have it done at MB dealer
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 209
From: Boston North Shore
2001 CLK320 Cabrio
The following link may be of interest.
http://www.fitzhughmedia.com/MBF/align.html
Note the comment that "the dealer is usually the best option. "Usually" is the key word. Given a choice between Pep-Boys, Big-O, or some other chain store whose "tech" was working the grill at Fat Burger last week, the dealer is the better option."
My experience has been that dealer service is always over priced and sometimes of questionable goodness.
5 years ago I bought a new set of tires at a National tire chain (e.g. Tirefair). In addition of price matching (e.g. paid $500 for 4 Michelins), it included balancing, free flat repairs, rotations and a wheel alignment. Initially, I was very skeptical about letting them do the alignment.
They used a computerized station and gave me a print out, diagramming the before and after conditions at each wheel. At this time the tires are still in service (e.g. less than half worn) with very even tread wear. They even hand torqued the wheel bolts to the proper MB specification.
While I would avoid PEP-Boys, Walmart etc., I believe you should be able to find a competent place to have the alignment done, at half the dealer price.
http://www.fitzhughmedia.com/MBF/align.html
Note the comment that "the dealer is usually the best option. "Usually" is the key word. Given a choice between Pep-Boys, Big-O, or some other chain store whose "tech" was working the grill at Fat Burger last week, the dealer is the better option."
My experience has been that dealer service is always over priced and sometimes of questionable goodness.
5 years ago I bought a new set of tires at a National tire chain (e.g. Tirefair). In addition of price matching (e.g. paid $500 for 4 Michelins), it included balancing, free flat repairs, rotations and a wheel alignment. Initially, I was very skeptical about letting them do the alignment.
They used a computerized station and gave me a print out, diagramming the before and after conditions at each wheel. At this time the tires are still in service (e.g. less than half worn) with very even tread wear. They even hand torqued the wheel bolts to the proper MB specification.
While I would avoid PEP-Boys, Walmart etc., I believe you should be able to find a competent place to have the alignment done, at half the dealer price.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 129
From: Orlando, FL
2015 GL550 4matic
I was told by my usual tire shop, a local Firestone, that their alignment machine can't do these Mercedes. They referred me to another nearby Firestone that has a better machine, but mine has always been pretty good in the 3 years I have owned the car. I think I would just pay the $160 at the dealer, they don't seem to go out easily, so it should last a while.
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 170
Likes: 7
2001 Clk55 AMG
Front toe is the only adjustable part of the suspension. The K-MAC kits are the only way I have found to actually give the adjustability to do a proper alignment. Even then you need to find a good alignment shop that will follow through and set it up correctly.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,946
Likes: 21
From: So Cal
CLK Cabrio
there are a lot of great alignment shops that I would rather go to before going to the dealer. They setup the car the way I like it based on my driver, not what MB siad 15 years ago. with that being said they also do my mom cars to factory spec. Find a good shop will save you at least $60.
